Remote Terrorism Trial Begins in Tunis Court of Appeal (Feb 26 2026)
The Criminal Chamber specialized in terrorism cases attached to the Court of Appeal of Tunis opened a remote‑hearing trial on Thursday, 26 February 2026. The case, popularly known as the “Departure to Conflict Zones” affair, involves Ali Larayedh – a senior figure of the Ennahdha movement and former Minister of the Interior – together with seven other defendants, including former security officials.
Key Facts of the Proceedings
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of hearing | 26 February 2026 |
| Venue | Remote courtroom set up at the civil prison of Mornaguia |
| Presiding chamber | Criminal Chamber for terrorism matters, Court of Appeal of Tunis |
| Primary charge | Organising and facilitating the departure of individuals to conflict‑zone territories in violation of Tunisian anti‑terrorism legislation |
| Sentences already handed down | Prison terms ranging from 18 to 36 years for the accused (issued in earlier rulings of the same case) |
Defendants Appearing via Remote Link
- Ali Larayedh – former Interior Minister and senior Ennahdha official (first to be heard).
- Saif Eddine Rrais – spokesperson for the banned organization Ansar Al‑Charia.
- Abdelkarim Labidi – former head of the aircraft protection unit at Tunis‑Carthage Airport.
- Fathi Beladi – former security official who refused to appear in court.
- Four additional unnamed co‑accused – also former security personnel.
Procedural Highlights
- The hearing started with the testimony of Ali Larayedh.
- All defendants were transported to the dedicated remote‑trial hall at Mornaguia prison, where they participated via video link.
- The court’s mandate is to determine each defendant’s responsibility in the planning, coordination, and execution of the departures to war‑torn regions, as defined by Tunisia’s terrorism statutes.
Context & Significance
- This trial is part of a broader government crackdown on networks that facilitate the movement of Tunisian nationals to armed conflicts abroad.
- The involvement of high‑profile political figures such as Larayedh underscores the political sensitivity of the case.
- The use of remote‑hearing technology reflects Tunisia’s effort to maintain judicial continuity amid security concerns and pandemic‑related restrictions.
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